Alston Ridge Families:

We have never been happier to see our students than rejoining learning this past week. Thank you for joining first meetings with your students’ teachers, for talking through the ways that we can support your student and family during this unusual beginning, and for the feedback and grace to grow our learning community together.

This week we will continue the process of Orientation: preparing students with the technical skills to access online learning and increasing stamina for the full implementation of the remote learning schedule on next Monday, 8/31.

As we transition into the full schedule, the following are a few ways that we are planning for the next steps of teaching and learning:

Instructional Materials Distribution

Faculty are also preparing for in-person pick-up for a small number of important instructional supplies. The August Materials Distribution events will be contact-less drive-through pick-ups on Thursday, 8/27 and Friday, 8/28. During this distribution, spirit wear and remaining 1^st Day School Supplies purchased through the ARES PTA will be available for pick-up, along with any remaining belongings from 2019-2020. When additional instructional supplies arrive for distribution in the month of September, we will host future pick-up events for Math materials and resources to support students’ learning from home.

Media Center Book Check-Out

School may be closed, but our library is ready for Check-out! Thanks to Ms. Cara McConnell—one of our newest faculty members—who has already organized and prepared books to be checked out to students and families. Please visit our new Media Center website to meet Ms. McConnell and learn about how to Borrow a Library Book! And, get to know her with a bedtime read-aloud about Curiosity (Book1 or Book2).

Adjustments to the Live Learning Schedules

To increase access to learning for all students, some grade levels have made modest adjustments to the schedule for “live” teaching—lessons delivered in Google Meet and class meetings that help develop community norms and social support. As we fully implement state standards and district curriculum adjustments may be necessary to meet the needs of all learners. Any changes will be communicated with advanced notice to help families establish firm routines and home schedules.

Positivity Project Implementation

Students are learning about character strengths, empathy, and community to help integrate Social and Emotional Learning into daily teaching through implementation of the Positivity Project at Alston Ridge. Investing in building new relationships and connections in our learning communities is exciting and we are committed to sharing how we can become better citizens, friends, and students. Learn more about the Positivity Project and the common language you may hear from your students and their teachers by reading our P2 Family Letter and watching a short video. And, see our website to learn more about the important resources available through Student Support Services.

Alston Ridge ES YouTube Channel

Daily Morning Announcements begin the school day at 9 a.m. at Alston Ridge Elementary—even during online learning! We hope that you will start your day with Mrs. Melissa Oliver and Ms. Ruth Ann Freeman, our two amazing Assistant Principals. Nightly read-alouds make for great ways to get to know our faculty and add to the books that your student will experience each day. Subscribe to our school’s YouTube Channel to be the first to know about new content, and check out lots of amazing videos to inform and entertain.

We are a part of an extraordinary community of students, families, and educators and we are so glad to be back together learning together again this year. Thank you for your questions and your support.

Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail with questions and for support. We are here to help—teachers, administrators, counselors, assistants, and support staff. Let us know what we can do to make this year possible for you and your student, together.

Take good care,

Niko